National Republican., 1887-11-09
MONEY and COMBINATION.
BATTLE CRY OF THE GROCERs IN THE
LIQUOR FIGHT.
They Think tho Commissioners and
the Temperance Men Have Made n
Combine Rights OF Citizens Invaded
Tho wholesale Merchants Proffer
Their Aid to Retail Dealers.

About thirty-hve grocers who have
hitherto sold Intoxicating liquors at retail
held meeting last night to denounce the
action OF the District commissioners In re-
fusing to renew their bar licenses. j. H.
Richardson was elected permanent chair
man, and e. J. Wright, their legal adviser,
acted as secretary, while Daniel Donovan
was chosen as custodian of the funds which
might accumulate.
Mr.. Wright made brief opening address,
in which he said that the commissioners
were exceeding the law; that Congress
never intended to give them the power to
sweep away vested rights.
James Rutherford, whose application for
license was rejected and who called the
meeting, said he did 80 because no
one else seemed inclined to take hold.
On motion Of J. j. White a committee
Of seven was appointed to confer with the
wholesale liquor dealers, and the chairman
named the following j. J. White, d. p.
Leane, George Hall, Edward Murphy, Rich
ard Corcoran, John Quinn. and Jas. Ruth
erford.
The chairman said he hoped that every
one Of the $50 grocers who deal in liquors
would contribute at least $5 each to start
with, and then when that money was all
gone let them pay an assessment OF as much
more as was necessary. He said that he
had sold liquor for twenty years, and pro-
posed to continue to do 80. The temper
ance people and the commissioners had
combined, and 1t was time the liquor
dealers formed combination to protect
themselves and their rights. He advocated
permanent organization, and gave out as
his war cry, "Money and combination"
Julius Mattern was appointed financial
secretary, and subscriptions of $5 were re-
ceiyed from a number OF those present.
A delegation, consisting Of Frank p.
Madigan and Julius Hugle, then entered
the room, ann after having brief confer
ence with the secretary, that official made
the following statement: Two gentle
| mel, a committee from the board of trade,
have been delegated to call upon this meet
ing by the body they represent. This
evening they held q large. determined,
| is their desire that any committee from this
meeting shall act in concert with them, SC
that there will be no clashing Of interests
| no confusion. II any gentleman is denied
| license he must take no personal action
other than to report to Mr.. White, th,
chairman Of the committee from this meet
Ing, and the interests Of that man will be
| CuIeu ioi ny tuo DOaIu VI tTsuo. lhppihuse.
| The proposition OF the board was unani
mously accepted.
| The statement was made and concurred ir
that the restaurants were fighting tht
groceries.
1t was decided to appoints committee Of
thirteen to solicit cash and sympathy from
the grocers who sell liquor, and the follow
ing gentlemen were designated to act
Northwestern section-J. j. White, Ed
ward Murphy, Hugh McCann, John NJ
Buckley; southwest. II. Richardson
George Hall, James Ryan, J. T. Wright
northeast and outheast--Jeremiah Wilt
Julius Mattern, William Brahler, William
McAllister; Georgetown-J. w. Durnin.
After some discussion It was decided Il
allow the northwestern committee hacl
for one day; the other committees will
either provide their own vehicles o.
will ''hoof IT,"
Eighty-five dollars in cash and SEQ II
promises were received, and the committe,
adjourned in hopeful mood.
THE WHOLESALE LIQUOR DEALERS,
sometimes known as the board of trade
held meeting last night In Shea's Hall
Horatio Browning president, Julius Hugh
secretary, and N. III. Shea treasurer. Tn,
object of the meeting was to discuss thu
ruling of the commissioners as to thu
issuance of licenses to grocers. Steps wert
taken to prepare for O strong aggressive
fight in the courts, and aid unlimited wa.
offered to the retail grocerymen. Money
| was freely subscribed, and the best lega
ability retained. The commissioners werC
unsparinsly denounced, but the speakers
and their efforts cannot be given because
| the meeting was secret one.